Arm pain may originate from different areas of the body including the neck, back and ribs. Heart attack symptoms radiating from the heart also can cause this type of pain, MayoClinic.com indicates. Arm pain can bring enough discomfort to cause difficulty in performing activities of daily living such as cleaning the house, shopping for groceries and lifting small items. Talking to a doctor to find out the origin of the pain will help lead to positive treatment.
Bone Fracture
An arm fracture as well as a hand or wrist fracture will cause severe pain to the arm. Pain radiates along the nerve routes, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports. One of the most difficult forms of pain, this type of arm pain typically requires adequate prescription pain management medicines from a doctor.
Sports Injury
A sports injury, including the muscles of the neck such as with a strain, can cause arm pain. The arm pain will occur when the injured person tries to move the neck in any direction. Arm pain can discourage those who wish to continue with a sport, such as pitching in a ball game. Many times, serious arm and shoulder injuries occur because of continued play with an already injured part of the body.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease related to herniated discs in the neck will cause arm pain as well as numbness, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports. The arm pain may become quite severe and require anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by a doctor.
Neck Stiffness
Neck stiffness caused by an injury to the neck or shoulder, can generate pain to the arm from swelling on nerves and ligaments. When the swelling within the tissues of the neck occur because of an injury, a stiff neck results. The nerves of the neck become affected when an injury happens and causes numbness and pain to occur, MayoClinic.com indicates.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear in the shoulder area will cause extreme pain in that area, as well as radiating down the arm. This type of pain mimics a heart attack, as it remains severe and requires immediate treatment. Arm pain remains common with a rotator cuff tear, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons indicates.
Common Ailments
Other reasons behind arm pain include tendinitis, carpal tunnel, bursitis and arthritis.
